U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag led a news conference at San Pablo City Hall highlighting the results of the two-year investigation, dubbed Operation Red Reach, that seized an estimated $7.1 million in crystal methamphetamine and dealt a blow to a sizable drug-trafficking operation orchestrated by a street gang lieutenant.

“These are extremely dangerous and ruthless individuals,” said Larry Wallace, law enforcement deputy director for the state Department of Justice.

San Pablo police spearheaded the investigation that grew to include state and federal agents.

“This began as a grass-roots local investigation,” said Chief Walter Schuld. “We knew this was going to have a lasting effect.”